Justice for Zachary

I haven’t written in a while. I decided to take some “me” time, focus on real life and recharge my batteries after a volatile political season. If you have followed the page, you know that I often write from the perspective of Cletus T. Cousinhumper, and over-the-top parody/troll that often chimes in on gun control and other hot-button social issues.

Last weekend, I found out what happens when worlds collide.

A friend of mine, Zachary Sheridan, was shot and killed on a street corner. These are the suspects caught on surveillance cameras:

There are good reports of the incident by the Post-Gazette and KDKA, but allow me to give you the short version:

Zach and a couple friends were hanging outside a popular diner after the bars closed when a young woman pulled up in her car. They were waiting for a cab to take them home, and jokingly asked the woman to give them a lift. The woman felt “disrespected” by them and went inside to find the Isiah Smith, her boyfriend’s nephew and a couple of his friends sitting there. Zach and his friends even apologized to the woman for the unintentional slight. Smith had an unregistered, unlicensed 9mm handgun on him. He walked outside, confronted Zach’s crew, screamed “I’M FROM THE HOOD!” and then pointed the handgun directly at the head of one of Zach’s friends.

Here is a picture of Zach – The leading tackler on his college football team for the three years that he started. Zach is #4:

Here is a picture of the shooter:

Who do you think would win in a fight?

Zach is one of the most protective, caring people on the planet so when he sees his friend with a loaded gun pointed at his head – he springs into action and punches the shooter, knocking him down. Zach realizes that things have escalated quickly, and he and his friends take off running. Isiah Smith shoots Zach in the back, hitting and killing him.

Are we up to speed? Good. Now, the outrage.

I spent last night up at Slippery Rock at a bar that my band Walk of Shame considers its second home – The Ginger Hill Tavern. We donated our time and our tips along with the bartenders and servers to help raise over $2,000 to cover Zach’s funeral expenses. (For that story, check out WPXI’s coverage and video here.)

The timing has caused a lot of people to compare it to the Trayvon Martin case. If you want to make this about race (just like they did with Trayvon) that’s fine, but it is also short sighted. This is about a culture of stupidity. It is about feeling like shouting “I’M FROM THE HOOD” is some sort of badge of honor that allows a person to act like a violent thug. This is about Smith knowing he was going to look like a punk in front of his crew if he tried to square up and fight “like a man” so he took the coward’s way out – He shot an unarmed guy who was running away from him. He killed a human being who wasn’t standing his ground, or attacking him. His life wasn’t in danger, the only thing that was hurt at that point was his pride. (and the pride of the woman who instigated the murder by feeling that the rudeness of Zach and his friends should be punishable by death.)

I’m angry at a lot of things. I’m angry because up until recently, there were off-duty policemen that often worked security detail around the spot where Zach was killed. Budget cuts and other factors prevented an officer from being present, which would have likely saved Zach’s life. I’m angry because the shooter had a firearm that was not registered, nor did he have a permit to carry. Most of all, I’m just angry because Zach didn’t have to die.

Over what? Why? The shooter claimed self-defense because a guy sprinting away from him trying NOT to get shot and killed apparently posed an imminent threat to his well-being.

I’m happy that I was able to help out in some small way for Zach and the Sheridan family. When we presented Zach’s mother with an envelope with the money that was raised last night she broke down at his wake. Zach was a football player, a security guard, a bouncer, a protector. All he wanted to do was make sure that the people he cared about were safe.

It cost him his life.

Don’t make this about race, make it about illegal guns on the street. Make it about a culture that embraces this type of overreaction. Do you think these guys would have confronted Zach if they didn’t have a 9mm? I know that with the recent public outrage over the George Zimmerman acquittal, it’s easy to sensationalize this into a case of three African-Americans gunning down a white guy. Somebody call Al Sharpton for comment! Where is Jesse Jackson at?

Let’s make the conversation about how to keep the next “good guy” captain of the football team alive.

Rest in Peace, Sheridan.

–Sean Kemmerer is a freelance writer, administrator of Politics Without The Crazy Pills , and is a proud member of #RockNation who doesn’t care about long hair.

Dear Sean,
God Bless you and all of the Staff at Ginger Hill for helping Zachary’s Family with your donations!!! My daughter Erica went to Slippery Rock University and have gone to Ginger Hill numerous times. We are also from Brookline.
May Zachary rest in peace and may his family find peace and comfort.

Zachery was a loud mouth and threaten the other group with with his mouth and bodily harm is what got him killed. No one can blame anybody but Zachery. The Pittsburgh and the Pitt police was never there patrolling the street in which was their job in the very place as it happened right on the sidewalk and street on Forbes Ave. where the fight started. Mister Donuts and The Original Hotdog cannot babysit these nuisance in-growth children and it is not their responsibility, no exceptions. It is solely the police job period!!!!!! That is why we have the police otherwise take up on our own as stand your ground. I don’t want to hear, oh, I know him personally, he was a wonderful kid. You really don’t know him that well, we don’t but the circumstances tells the story of who he really is. He is not a kid, he is a grown adult and should have mind his own business.

cs, put down the crack pipe and pick up an English book, ’cause you sound dumb as a stump! Also, I don’t care if the dude’s a “loudmouth,” WTF would that matter? Who shoots someone because they’re a “loudmouth?” I hope the asshole shooter enjoys prison, better load up on some wings because he isn’t going to be able to keep that fat as hell belly on prison food, LOL!

I agree with everything you had said. It stated what we all know to be true, but what none of us know how to change. To be honest, it would take generations to change that mentality. I didn’t know Zach personally, but knew of him and how great a person he was. RIP Zach #rocknation

How is that unfair? That is what he is. Many people grow up influenced by the violent aspects of our culture but the majority would never do what he did. Stop making excuses for what he did. He has no one to blame but himself. He wants to act like a “violent street thug” and “hood” as this “national honor society student” so eloquently put it. Now it’s time to own up for it.

Do you know his history? How do you know he was a thug? He certainly acted like one, but that doesn’t mean he was one. Let’s start looking deeper at the issues, people. Face value is only good for faces.

So now we are calling a 22 year old a “kid.” He is old enough to know right from wrong. He painted the picture of him being a violent street thug by carrying an unlicensed loaded 9mm handgun without a permit. He also proved this when he shouted “I’m from the hood.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself Michelle…Thank you for pointing out the reasons why Isiah Smith is indeed, a STREET THUG…there’s one reason I would like to add to the list, however, the biggest reason of all: He shot an unarmed man who was leaving the scene of an altercation from behind, thus proving the fact that he is not only a street thug, but also a huge piece of garbage that deserves to be forgotten about and to rot in jail forever. That is what he deserves. I did not know Zach, but send my condolences to his friends and his family. RIP Zach .

I totally agree with you Leann. A young man with a bright future is dead because of a THUG. He changed a families life forever. I feel so bad for the Sheridan family. Where are the politicians now? Any feedback on this case? I may not of known Zack but my heart goes out to his family and his friends. Rest in peace and with God Zack!

How do you know he shouted “I’m from the hood”? Only this article features that bit of the story and this article is just as trustable/questionable as any news outlet. It’s easy to say simple things to skew ones view of a person. There wasnt one article/report that reported the gun came out pre-KO. He didn’t act like astreet thug post-shooting because he was as cooperative as they come in murder investigations. I think it’s a travesty these things even happen in America, no doubt about it. Not all parties are innocent though, I understand losing a friend is hard, but it’s also not the right thing to do by knocking someone out when you’re in central Oakland and there’s a plethora of people that could help diffuse the situation. When is the last time someone got shot in practically broad daylight in front of hundreds of people (which is what it is in Oakland basically)? We all know the shooter was not going to shoot unless provoked, he was no Frank Lucas…the mentality of not walking away is just as bad as the mentality of carrying the gun. You cannot honestly say that every single persons decision making led to this young mans death. If the victim was not so aggressive, it wouldn’t have happened. I understand he couldn’t control the precursors, but everyone’s decision making led to this tragedy.

Yeah Jake a criminal complaint is what is filed by the DA. What don’t you understand? Don’t tell me you are a “national honor society student” too like Isiah?

Isiah SmithAugust 7, 2013

What articles are you reading? Every article online mentions that “national honor society” student Isiah Smith showed the gun and said, in typical “hood” fashion ” we don’t want to take it this far”. The articles then said he pointed the gun at the head of one of Zach’s friends and pushed him back. That is when Zach fought back. Smith and his friends were the aggressors. Who in their normal mind goes out and confronts someone over a comment and shows a gun. Any one who concealed carries knows that when you carry a gun it is a HUGE responsibility. You are to avoid confrontation at all costs and should only use that gun to defend yours or someone else’s life. No rational person who carries legally would escalate the situation to the point of pulling the gun out like “national honor society student” Isiah Smith did. Instead of just forgetting about what was said he chose to go after the group as they were walking away. Not to mention he shot Zach as he was running away. You can’t claim self defense when the person you felt was going to cause you grave bodily harm was running away. Being a “national honor society student” Isiah should know that. He’s just too “hood” to care.

You’re an idiot, read all the articles before you comment. Isiah is a coward, just like every other person from “the hood”. 72 percent of fights turned into gun casualty are all of you “hood black guys” losing fights. A bunch of cowards who start fights to prove how tough they are and they end of taking someone’s life. All of you defending isiah; like forest, Kelly, and Paul, I can’t wait until you bring a child into this world and he gets shot and killed by a black kid who cant fight. The kid has a terrible history of drug dealing but he was an honor student 10 years ago so that makes him a good kid right? Keep your negative comments to yourself, a great kid that was actually doing something with his life and who everybodu loved was killed by some nobody with a gun who wouldn’t think twice about killing any of you

No way you can say it is not a race thing, it started with the stupid, ugly female who felt disrespected and got her fat asshole guy friends to show the boys you can’t mess with the HOOD… well, a great guy has been taken from this world because of an asshole with a gun who thought it made him strong. Very sad, and it is crazy that some nuts try to defend the shooter. It was wrong and the man is dead.

MicheleAugust 7, 2013

It was caught on camera showing the gun saying “lets not take it there” and pointed at another friend n that’s when Zach hit him…doing what he did best, being our protector.

Forest, I’d like to point out that your statement that “He didn’t act like astreet thug post-shooting because he was as cooperative as they come in murder investigations,” is a complete joke. First of all, murdering a RETREATING man guarantees that you are, in fact, a “street thug.” Secondly, I think it’s very obvious why he is so “very cooperative.” Do you think this drug dealing scumbag would have turned himself in if there was no video surveillance? Hell, he even admitted it himself that he only turned himself in shortly after he saw his own face on the news. This piece of shit knew that the cops had video evidence of him shooting Sheridan. His only option was to turn himself in and hope that his master plan of claiming self defense would work out for him.

Also, you said that “we all know the shooter was not going to shoot unless provoked” …Oh, did we all know that Forest? So Zach, who quickly jumped on an opportunity to potentially save his friend’s life, was wrong for his actions? A loaded gun, held by a man screaming that he is from the HOOD, was pointed directly at Zach’s friend’s head. And Zach’s decision to hit him was wrong? Anybody who knows Zach knows that he would make the same decision to protect his friend 10 out of 10 times. He saw an opportunity and took it. That’s just the protective and loyal kind of man that he was. It’s such a shame that this immature low life piece of shit had the power to end such a great man’s life. Isiah Smith is a worthless human being, and he deserves to suffer and rot in a jail cell for the remainder of his insignificant life.

By making that comment Thugboy proved that this was a hate crime. Why isn’t Brookline, nor Sleezy Pebble rioting? Because they are civilized. It is way over time to start cleaning up the trash. This hoodrat needs tthe death penalty.

Yea buy Zimmerman was deemed a racist and shit but I guess if a black person kills someone it’s not racist it’s just the culture smh.. in truth both Zimmerman nor this case has anything to do with race

Really? You don’t think a 22 year old man knows that the consequence of shooting someone can be death? Give me a break! Making excuses for this kind of behavior won’t help anyone and takes away from the real victims!

A kid??? He’s a 22 year old grown man with a brain in his head that he did not use. Not a 8 year old or a 13 year old that does not understand consequences (due to lack of life experience). The news video stated that he was a honors student. Apparently his book smarts didn’t translate to common sense.

Are you kidding? If shooting somebody running away from you doesn’t make you a violent street thug, what in God’s name does? This isn’t a race issue. This isn’t even a gun issue. This is a people and culture issue. A young, violent punk took the life of someone that seems universally revered.

Jail is too good for this scumbag. Give him the death penalty and his parents life in prison.

Let’s not paint a picture of him as a street thug??????Only a liberal POS could come up with something like this.Honestly Kelley if he shot your brother in the back of the head while running would you still be spitting out the same rubbish say 6 Hail Mary,s then eat a hundred valium please.The only good lib is deaf dumb and blind lib.

This guy needs to go to jail for shooting an murdering an unarmed man. Just like Zimmerman needs to go to jail for murdering an unarmed man. It’s not about race but ironically only one will go to jail. Just a thought.

Sir, Mr. Zimmerman did not show or pull the trigger of his licensed weapon until Trayvon almost completely bashed his head in against the sidewalk. That was absolutely proven in court. Regardless if the young man was armed or not, Mr. Zimmerman could have been beaten to death if he did not take action to save his own life. What if Mr. Zimmerman somehow noticed a shovel within arms reach and used that? Or some other random tool? Would him defending himself using any of those things then be justifiable? Or is it only with guns you feel so strongly? This case, given the evidence, it is completely different. A weapon was shown initially to provoke fear, even after an apology was given. When the victimized party did not oblige, one was shot in the back. Last I’ve heard someone who is running away can only be shot in the back. That’s forensic science. Last I’ve heard someone running away, after they have had a gun pointed toward them, is trying to escape getting shot. That is just common sense. The only common fator in either of these incidences is someone died prematurely. Plain and simple. And you’re right only one will go to jail. And only one person should go to jail, according to the law.

If like to be civilized, but you’re either an idiot or completely deluded. Zimmerman outweighed the boy, by, and I could be off by a little, but at least sixty pounds. Of he can’t restrain someone that size without shooting and killing her could have shot him in the leg or something. Not to mention he broke the law by following Trayvon in the first place. But thanks for sharing your true racist colors!

I have no problem with guns whatsoever, however, I do have a problem with people using guns in a simple fist fight. This guy punched another guy so that should only warrant back what we who have served in law enforcement and/or the military less-lethal force (meaning your fists, blunt object…etc.). I would have had no problem with Zimmerman using a blunt object to defend himself, but he escalated it from one of the lowest levels of the ladder of force to the highest, this is called murder. Zachary was murdered in almost the same fashion as Trayvon, but why do Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson stay silent here…well when a white person is murdered by a black person you can rest assure that justice will prevail, it’s the opposite case in which the voices of the masses must cry out. Just watch and see, the guy who murdered Zachary will go to jail, 100%.

Hi Sean,
I’ve never read anything of yours before (not out of intent, I’ve just never heard of you) and I just happened to click on the link a random Facebook friend ‘shared’ that brought me to this story. It brought me to tears. I’m so sorry for your loss, man. Good people don’t deserve to die, especially so young. I’m so sorry. Keep your head up though! I’ll re-post this story. People need to know to be good again. Keep your head up. I’ll be praying for you, his friends and his family. And can I send donations to his family? My sincerest apologies again to everyone who knew this great man. -James-

To say this is not about race is a joke…wake up people….if Zachary and his friends had been black nothing would have happened..the woman would have joked with them or maybe even offered them a ride…..after being apologized to, she still felt it necessary to go inside and rile her friends up to come out and fight…so don’t dare say this wasn’t about race

Your an idiot to say if he was black they would have just joked around. Clueless. As if black on black crime doesn’t happen. Welcome to the inner city where people get shot, stabbed, and mugged every day. Not the first time somebody has been shot in Oakland and definitely not the last.

That’s a really ignorant thing to say. You have no idea what would have happened if Zachary had been black. It might have made a difference, it might not. You can’t assume something like that. Black on black crime happens all the time. But you’re probably too blind to notice it. You have no idea what it was about, unless you were there. Think about what you’re saying before making idiotic comments that just make you look ignorant.

I know more than you will ever know about what happened that night….and I am very aware of black on black crime..see it on the news EVERYDAY….Isiahs own words to police were that his friend came in and told them three “white” men were disrespecting her…..not three men…three “white” men….now tell me it had nothing to do with race…pull your head out if your ass

I have never read something so straight to the point and so true. You put into words what so many of us agree with . You have shared to many just how Wonderful a Young Man Zach was. He was a very unique Man, loved by so many family and friends. It is so unfair he was taken from us, so soon.
Why though have they not arrested the woman and the other man there the night of the shooting, especially the girl. You hit the nail on the heaad when you said where is Sharpton and Jackson???? The two who fight FOR racism and are AGAINST peace.

It’s never about race when the white kid gets shot. Identifying yourself as hood, in my opinion, makes it racial. The woman felt she was being disrespected because a couple of white kids asked her for a ride. The people that share this idiotic “column” don’t want to hear the truth. They need to believe what they will. Sadly, it’s just far from reality

You all sound an awful lot like bigots. Race shouldn’t even be mentioned. What about the violence from both parties? Zach would have lived had he just walked and not felt the need to fight a fight that cannot be won. Hands vs guns never work out, and if it’s true that the gun was out before he hit him then it’s an even worse decision. It’s not just the shooters fault.

Pulling out a gun and pointing is the initial act of aggression Dumb Paul. At that point what normal person wouldn’t wonder whether this fat piece of shit is gonna shoot or not? And to the first half of your dumb comment, the fat kid and his fucking loser friends followed Zach and his friends, not reverse. That was clear in the police account and the review of the surveillance videos. Stop defending a fat ass loser who had nothing going for himself and decided to be a “tough guy”. Whether this gun was registered or not, guns when legally registered and carried, are to be concealed at all times unless threatened under extreme conditions such as life threatening. Following these kids to the spot of confrontation and sticking it in someones face doesn’t fall into that type of situation any way you cut it. Please shut your mouth you sound awful.

Spiffy is a liberal moron. Guns would still be in the hands of these idiots illegally regardless of whether people have the right to bear arms. Only they would have the guns and the general public wouldn’t. And rigggggghhhhht. It’s never a racial issue when the white guy gets shit but when the black guy gets shit it IS a racial issue Typical liberal bullshit that makes no logical sense. Sorry for your loss

That news report claims that Isiah Smith was an honor student and people warn against trying to paint a picture of the black man as thug. Well, nobody seems to be revealing that Smith had a criminal history of drug dealing from 2010: http://nixle.com/alert/3889092/

How about we make it about keeping Zach’s memory alive. Start a Zach Sheridan Memorial Fund for an incoming SRU student that will be playing football… take the positive outcome of the GHT fundraiser and go a step further. I did not know Zachary personally, but that does not mean I don’t feel sadness for my Rock family.

This is one of the poorest written pieces I’ve ever read. Weird how the comment was a “joke” at first, and you then went on to portray it as “rudeness.” Let’s call it what is was–A bunch of drunk assholes verbally abused a woman who then went and gathered her posse, and then things escalated. It doesn’t justify the killing – no – but at least *some* of the fault here most certainly lies on the victim for putting himself in that predicament. I doubt he’s the innocent “protector” you attempt to portray him as; there is a certain personality trait that a person like him (bouncer, football team captain, etc.) often possess, and it is anything but admirable. My guess is that is what on full display that evening.

So what if they were rude. Your right it does not mean he should have gotten murdered. But he did. And by a young man who had an illegal firearm with no permit. Ill tell you what if you have an unregistered fire arm you get no rights to fire it not matter what the situation is. The law is clear you are allowed to have a gun when it is fully licensed and registered. You can even protect yourself with it if you feel threatened, be prepared for the event to be investigated. Rightfully so it should be especially if someone loses their life . I digress this situation angers anyone who knows what the the laws are supposed to do and know how people go about breaking them. And because of that a young man lost his life, justice should be served. Last but not least self defense with firesarms only applies to people who follow the law. If you break the law and carry an unregistered gun you are breaking the law and will and should be punished to the full extent of the law.

We’ll, anonymous. I happen to know Zach. Also happen to know what happen that night. Don’t read a book by it’s cover! So is his fault cause he was a bouncer, football player…. Please!! You’re a fucking idiot!! Just so you know I am Puertorican not white or black. So I guess I’m good at baseball and carry a knife. Stupid motherfucker!

Because clearly gathering your posse to combat a rude comment is the most logical thing to do. Her actions directly contributed to Zach’s death- I can’t tell you how many times drunk people say stupid stuff especially while out in Oakland (I’ve lived there for six years). However, I never once decided to gather up a bunch of guys so they could go beat their asses. You act the better person and you walk away. If you truly feel threatened, you call the cops. Instead, she was self-righteous, gathered her cronies, and now an innocent boy is dead because some coward shot him in the back. Oh, and an “innocent protector”? He punched a guy who pointed a loaded, illegally owned and possessed gun at his friend’s head- I’d call that an innocent protector who was thinking selflessly. That woman should be ashamed of herself, as should you; check your prejudices at the door with the fact that he was an athlete. He was tall and strong, but one of the sweetest people I’ve known, albeit for a short time.

This can’t be a serious comment. Why post anomyously? Oh wait your too much of a coward to put you name out there and stand by your comment. Did you know him? Likely not. What gives you the right to assume he had the so called mentality that you describe? Assuming things is never good. It just makes you look some “hood” thug like that piece of shit Smith. Go post moronic comments somewhere else.

Jake you’re a loser just like smith. Telling people to post their address and phone number? Why? So you can get beat up and pull out your gun like your coward friend? Don’t start fights if you can’t fight. How many times are you bum ass black people going to reproduce and keep making the same useless kid with a gun that that sells drugs.. That’s what Isaiah was.. Useless. And he wasn’t going to make one difference in this world. The world needs more Zachs in this world RIP Zach

Anonymous, my guess is, with that ridiculous comment, you must be friends with Isaiah smith or the dumb bitch that was with him.. Honestly, you sound stupid. You people don’t want anyone painting the picture that Isaiah was a ‘thug’ yet, you’re passing judgement on Zach because he was a bouncer & football captain, he must be an asshole/instigator.. You couldn’t be more wrong. A) Zach wasn’t even the one who made the comment, yet still apologized. B) Zach punched smith AFTER smith pointed the gun to his friend’s head.. Which really goes to show his TRUE CHARACTER.. Putting his own life at risk to save his friend’s life.. Get your facts straight!

I’m just going to say i didn’t know Mr. Sheridan, but I’ve heard a lot about him. All of what I’ve been told/heard has been wonderful; the world needs more Zachary Sheridans that’s for sure.
Also, so what if he ‘possessed a certain quality that was surely at play’? That gives NO ONE the right to shoot and kill him as he tried to get to safety. Do you know how many times i’ve had something be said to me by drunken men? I’m 5ft tall and 100lbs soaking wet, and I’ve NEVER run to my guy friends to have them deal with culprits. I run to them that i think it’s time to LEAVE. And it’s only about RACE for those how are looking for it and WANT it to be about RACE. I’m not a white female but the people who protect me the most (strangers or not) are members of ethnic groups that i am not a part of. I was being followed by a black male who had no business being on campus (he wasn’t a student and later was found to have weapons) and a random WHITE fraternity member who i had never met me ran to my defense and kept me safe while we waited for the Campus Police to arrive. And remember i am from and live in the THE SOUTH.
If there is a memorial fund established please publicize it, i would love to, as would my sorority sisters, donate money in this young man’s honor!

When making a comment about one of my community boys. First know him. He was a admirable young man he lost his life for a childhood friend. We are a community in mourning for him and his family and reading comments from people who don’t know him or his upbringing shall not judge. HE WAS MURDERED DONT FORGET THAT!

I would like to offer a sincere “fuck you ” to anyone defending fat Albert, I suspect the only honor roll he acheived was his third chin. Wake up , call it what it is, a senseless killing by a typical “pussy/ thug from the hood”. Its getting old , sad to say but I knew what happened before I heard the details, typical thug starting a fight over nothing, getting popped in his jaw and then pulling a gun because he can’t fight. Wake up thugs the real gangsters are all dead or moved to Miami, those days are done , time to become members of society. God bless the Sheridan family , what a sad sad tragedy, Im from brookline and love it , although I didn’t know Zach I’m sure he was a great dude. R.I.P.

It’s not hard to make the Honor roll in a public school. Scott Peterson made honor roll once too. Dont forget The Unabomber. One’s academic “achievements” doesn’t matter at all when judging their character. His multiple arrests in the 10 years since high school do speak to character. This case is about race. Blacks defend blacks no matter what- look at OJ. No fathers, no sense of community.. just me, me , me. Look at their horrible neighborhoods. There are plenty of working poor neighborhoods like Brookline that dont look like shit. But uptown, Homewood, wilkinsburg, etc are absolute ghettos. Something is wrong with Black people. I don’t know what it is. But to deny it is to stick your head in the utopian sand. Sadly, theyre the only ones having kids anymore..and again with no fathers. How many white men have more than three kids? not too many? how many blacks have more than three kids.. ? Then they leave the mothers with no kids. Several half white half black kids with no fathers around everywhere so now there goes that. Im older and i feel bad for the future of this city and country.

Who wants to bet the commenters trying to blame Zach and portray Isiah as a good kid are either his Uncle Tom or Uncle Tom’s girlfriend Aunt Jemima? I didn’t know there was access to the internet in “da hood”.

My God.. Why does EVERYTHING in America have to be about race. We need to give people the credit they deserve for being stupid. The girl was STUPID for not just letting it go. Isiah was STUPID for flashing his gun, especially being a legal carrier. Zachary was STUPID for whatever he said to that young lady. But lets please not make this about race. This is about the old saying “nothing good happens after 2 am”. My condolences to the Sheridan family, though. No matter how STUPID, no one deserves to die.

Maybe Blacks are just stupid. Sure there are dumb whites. But not at the rate of dumb blacks. How many continents are there in the world? How many are fucked? Of the continents that are fucked, who lives there? evolution people.

The only continent that is fucked is africa.. no gdp, no economy, child soldiers horrendous poverty. i dont see commercials on tv begging for 42 cents a day to save the children of north america and europw…..youre the fuckin idiot lady. pray for yourself

I really could care less about other continents. I care about this country and it has gone to shit. It’s not a Black White thing either, it’s just too much Evil. This nation has taken God out of the equation and look at us now.

I don’t care what color the dead person is or the assailant, i care that people can’t learn to leave other people the fuck alone.

I’m truly sorry for this man’s family. At least he is at peace and away from “hell”..ooh i mean, earth.

MelAugust 8, 2013

‘SomeGuy’ if you would read before you’d comment it’d be nice 🙂 Zach wasn’t the one who made the comment to the stupid bitch, yet he WAS the one apologizing on behalf of his friends.. Just stop being stupid & leaving STUPID comments.. Isaiah smith, nor the losers he was with, were remorseful for taking Zach’s life UNTIL he saw his face on TV (the next afternoon) His fat ass went to eat n’ park after leaving Zachary for dead, went home to SLEEP & THEN went to work! NOTHING that happens to his loser- ass will ever be good enough..

It looks to me that Isiah Smith just followed the example set for him my the US military. If we spot an “enemy of the state” at a wedding in a country we are not even at war with, we go in like “real men” and square up for an old fashion fist fight right…nope we kill everyone at the wedding, including countless innocent women and children, with a chicken shit drone. Violence is what keeps the American economy going, it keeps the oil flowing,and it is as American as apple pie. While I don’t condone what Isiah Smith is accused of doing, I am not surprised, is just following the example our Government has set for us. We are all responsible for this type of behavior…it’s not guns or movies or music or video games, it’s a because we have all allowed ourselves to get divided and conquered. We bicker over the most petty things and the power elite, just laugh. Open your eyes!

The fact that anyone is defending this Isiah guy is pathetic. Black, white, purple, green….doesn’t matter what color he is. He is by large a disgrace to human kind. His self defense claim will NEVER hold up in court. If he was beaten soooo badly then how was he able to leave the scene of the crime and go on to Eatnpark with his other low life friends and act as though nothing ever happened???? It was only when he realized that he was caught on surveillance camera and his fat mug was shown all over the news that he turned himself in. Otherwise he wouldve never done so.
These idiots were out looking for trouble and trouble they found. But its sad that a young man’s life had to be taken in the process. If you want to make excuses for this Isiah moron do it elsewhere. Rip Zach

R.I.P. Zach. I didn’t know you but nobody deserves to go the way you did. Not Black people, white people, or even green or blue people. Nobody. End of story.

And for the record – there are white people who live in “the hood” that do the same stupid shit as the black people in “the hood”. Just like there are black people who live in more affluent neighborhoods that would never dream of doing something like this. “Hood” is a mentality, not a race.

My condolences to Zach’s friends and family. May his memory live in your hearts forever.

Sorry for your loss. That was a senseless act of aggression and out right murder. The jerk just signed away his life. He probably won’t get the death penalty, which he deserves, but he will get life. This was a stupid act of being macho and taking it one step too far. Now two people get to pay the price, your friend with his life and the shooter with his life.

I can’t tell you how many times a black, white or Hispanic kid has said something to me or my girlfriend or my friends down southside, Oakland or wherever we are. It happens to everyone all the time. And people say a lot worse than, “can we have a ride” that lady needs to be put in jail until the day she dies and then she can rot in hell. You people need to get over yourself, there is no need to carry an unlicensed gun without a permit unless you’re a drug dealer and a coward.

This incident involving the loss of one of the most respectful men I have had the pleasure to kno may not have been racially motivated, but you are nieve if you believe there are no racial implications surrounding this event. This is an example of the clash of two cultures; that of the “thug life” and that of the college educated professional. In today’s societal structure, it is common knowledge that the government has taken strides to grant minorities opportunities to succeed in the educational and professional format. Then why is it that the thug life is still made up of predominantly African Americans and the college educated are predominantly Caucasian ? Why is that every time an African American is the victim, racial advocates come out and declare racism? This isn’t the 1800’s anymore. If this slaying were in reverse, where a black male was murdered by a white gunman, u better believe Jesse Jackson would be in pittsburgh. There is no doubt that this world provides equal opportunity whether white, black, red or blue but different motivations exist among racial classes. If isiah smith would have been motivated to become a successful professional, the government would have loved to financially support him on his endeavors. Obviously, isiah had the knowledge to further his education, instead he chose to live the glorified thug life like that of his peers. Maybe zack shouldn’t have been in such a shady place so late at night, but it’s a shame that we have to worry about thugs like isiah everywhere we go. Until we overcome our cultural differences, the topic of racism is going to exist. I am just disappointed that isiahs life style didn’t end in him gunning down one of his friend or himself. I am more disappointed that zacks life was cut short by this worthless animal and he didn’t get to fulfill the lifestyle that he has worked so hard for. Rip Sheridan.

“Obviously, Isiah had the knowledge to further his education, instead he chose to live the glorified thug life like that of his peers. Maybe Zack shouldn’t have been in such a shady place so late at night, but it’s a shame that we have to worry about thugs like Isiah everywhere we go. Until we overcome our cultural differences, the topic of racism is going to exist. I am just disappointed that Isiah life style didn’t end in him gunning down one of his friend or himself. I am more disappointed that Zack’s life was cut short by this worthless animal and he didn’t get to fulfill the lifestyle that he has worked so hard for. ”

It’s not racial. There is an intersection my dear, where race, class and gender interplay. There are plenty of Black females who would not have behaved as this woman who instigated. There are Black males who are more similar to Zach than to Isiah. The issue is making accountability stick and not allowing race to be the defense. He’s a 22 yr old man and he knew the possible consequences of shooting someone. He did the crime and he must face his punishment. This country needs to confront the lack of change in mentality. racism from anyone is PATHETIC. HATE begets more HATE.
And it’s sad that everyone has to worry about people like Isiah feeling slighted. As i stated earlier, I’m not white and i am pretty sure had that stranger not come to my aid, something bad would have happened to me. Why? Because i didn’t respond to the advances the culprit was trying to make. It’s not a black vs. white thing. It’s a moral war, and sadly, people aren’t raising their children the right way(s).
It’s especially sad to see black men and women(who follow this Hood lifestyle)behave this way knowing all the struggles so many people went through for better treatment. Things are better and they are blowing it; they aren’t living to full potential and they are slapping every person who died, was mauled by dogs, harassed by the KKK and others etc. And it makes me sick.

You guys need to stop living in denial. It’s easy for you guys to post all of this when it wasn’t your friend or you didn’t know the guy. Imagine if this was your friend or family member that this happened too. I’m sure you would stop living in denial and look at the fact that this guy isiah is a coward and there are so many street thugs like him out there. And you guys are defending them?? Shame on all of you.

Paula ThompsonAugust 8, 2013

Jordan please stop being so blinded by anger, read the Southern Belle’s first post, she is not defending him hunnie. She is saying that being hateful isn’t going to change the tragedy. And race baiting isn’t going to make anything better.

Shame on you for not reading. And before anyone says i bet this, i’m a 49 year white woman. I think it’s awful but i agree with the Southern Belle:
“m just going to say i didn’t know Mr. Sheridan, but I’ve heard a lot about him. All of what I’ve been told/heard has been wonderful; the world needs more Zachary Sheridans that’s for sure.
Also, so what if he ‘possessed a certain quality that was surely at play’? That gives NO ONE the right to shoot and kill him as he tried to get to safety. Do you know how many times i’ve had something be said to me by drunken men? I’m 5ft tall and 100lbs soaking wet, and I’ve NEVER run to my guy friends to have them deal with culprits. I run to them that i think it’s time to LEAVE. And it’s only about RACE for those how are looking for it and WANT it to be about RACE. I’m not a white female but the people who protect me the most (strangers or not) are members of ethnic groups that i am not a part of. I was being followed by a black male who had no business being on campus (he wasn’t a student and later was found to have weapons) and a random WHITE fraternity member who i had never met me ran to my defense and kept me safe while we waited for the Campus Police to arrive. And remember i am from and live in the THE SOUTH.
If there is a memorial fund established please publicize it, i would love to, as would my sorority sisters, donate money in this young man’s honor!

“Love One Another” ”

Her first post you conveniently left out of consideration. I can’t be the only one who reads everything before responding.

IvannaAugust 8, 2013

Gerry you didn’t get many hugs as a child did you? Why are you so angry?

Anger is what cause this tragedy. Anger and Pride, get off your internet high horse and be productive. Stop running your mouth and start doing something to make this better.

It was a wonderful article about a wonderful person……until they brought Jesse jackson and Al Sharpton into it. Zachs case is certainly a tragedy the same as Treyvons and somehow we must find a way to get these guns out of the hands of hoodlums(black or white).

Spiff….once again, you make more than just “valid points”…you kept it real. People in this day & age are either too afraid to call a spade a spade (no pun intended), or are too afraid of being considered insensitive by others who think its their job to police peoples’ socio-political mindsets in public…. but this was just a case of some drunken thug, trying to show the world that his dick is bigger than everyone else’s, so he shoots a guy who, for all intents and purposes, was just trying to get home…

He says he’s from “the hood”, when the reality is, that we ALL live in “The Hood”, at least the hoods we do live in…this guy wasn’t from this hood, and had no business bringing a gun out in the first damned place. What a pussy…. It’s guys like him that make Brookline such an insular community and what helps polarize people against each other, to begin with.

This guy brings shame upon his “hood” and, in fact, the entire black race, by showing the world how ignorant he can be, taking the life of someone who was no threat to him to begin with. I didn’t know Zach personally, but he’s a neighbor anyway…Carrick ain’t but a hop, skip and a jump from Brookline…but that’s not the issue, or the point…

The issue is “Thugs, left to walk our streets” and the point is, “Either we confront the issue, or we live with the results of not having confronted it”…..kinda’ like Nazi Germany during the 1930’s…. if we just agree that the status quo is acceptable, then we deserve the violence that results from it.

I say, bring the pimple to a head & pop it, even if it leaves a scar. The Pgh PD needs to sweep every neighborhood in the city and “de-thug” this town. I don’t care who fuckin’ likes it or not….if people can’t behave right in civilized society, then they don’t belong living IN one…so, let’s extricate these social cancers from our streets and make it safe again for people to go out and hae a good time without worrying about some dumb cocksucking twat unloading his dime-store pistol on ’em….

……and people wonder why whites and, indeed, most of society, look skeptically at most black youth these days…….smh….

Everyone who reads about this story can and will develop their own opinions about why it happened and who is to blame. It’s our God given right to have an opinion. People will blame race, gun control, parenting, government, society as a whole and on and on and on. We can all sit here and place blame wherever we feel necessary but the truth is the answer to “who is to blame?” is only a bunch of opinions. It’s disheartening and almost impossible to grasp how our society has somehow allowed a young man’s life to senselessly end far too early. Tragedies like this are happening way too often in today’s world. How do we prevent it? Why is there so much evil? Nobody knows. We can only hope for a positive change in the way people value life – Everybody’s life has a purpose and meaning.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this awful time.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:3-5

Definitely a tragedy and something that could have been completely avoided if it wasn’t for a gun being involved.

Also, no disrespect intended, but something I noticed is that you called him a football captain/mentioned the fact that he was a football player several times. It seemed like you were trying to justify that he was a good person simply because of this and therefore did not deserve this to happen to him? I think that even if he had a criminal background and hated football or wasn’t a manly “protector”, he didn’t deserve to go this way and lose his life.

Typical fat lazy nigger pulling a gun cuz he can’t fight. The best thing for this country would be if they still worked in fields picking cotton and calling THE WHITE MAN master. They truly are USELESS.

Actually it’s much closer to the Emmett Till case. White male makes vaguely sexual remarks which black female considers to be to “disrespectful” , goes and gets black male who considers it within his rights to assault and murder white male for being uppity.